HOME SAFETY
175
MAKING YOUR LIVING ROOM SAFE
Do not overload electrical outlets |
Keep fire guards around the fire at all times |
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Do not let electric wires trail across the floor or under the carpet |
Put children’ s toys away after use |
Put nonslip mats under rugs to prevent slipping |
Secure bookcases and other heavy furniture to the walls to prevent them from falling over |
• Avoid running electric wires across the floor: these could be tripped on.
• Never run wires under a carpet where people walk; with wear, the carpet may expose bare wires.
• Check all electrical wiring regularly: frayed insulation can cause fires.
• Don’ t overload electric sockets with multi-point adaptors. Use an extension cable with four or six socket outlets instead.
• If you have an open fire, make sure that you use a fire guard, especially when children are present.
• Secure carpets and rugs firmly so that people cannot trip on them. If you have polished wooden floors, place nonslip mats underneath rugs so that they do not move.
• Always check an open fire before going to bed at night and make sure that a fire guard is in place.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector beside a gas fire( p. 173).
• Unplug or switch off electric fires and televisions at the wall socket at night.
• Empty all ashtrays and dispose of their contents safely at night.
MAKING YOUR HALL AND STAIRS SAFE
• Ensure that halls and stairways are well lit – especially if children or elderly people are likely to use them.
• Leave a nightlight on at night.
• If you have young children, install safety gates at the stairway entrances, and keep them closed.
• Check for worn areas of carpet, which could cause trips or falls.
• Mats and rugs on parquet or polished wood flooring can be dangerous. Place nonslip mats underneath them to prevent them from sliding.
• Install extra grab rails on the stairs to assist elderly people.
• Keep the areas at the top and bottom of the stairs clear at all times.